No more of your relatives in our housethis isnt a hotel.
I dont want to see any more of your relatives in our home. This isnt a guesthouse, Emily sighed, exhausted by the endless demands of visitors.
No one was in a hurry, but as soon as Charlotte earned her psychology degree, Daniel wasted no time proposingjust as shed always hoped. They held a modest wedding. Daniels aunt and uncle offered to let them use their savings and gift money to build a life together.
Soon, Daniel became the owner of a small plot of land just outside the city. Charlottes parents sold their car and gave the money to the young couple for constructionafter all, they didnt need it much in town.
Charlotte was slightly uneasy about country living, imagining the inconveniences: well water, power outages, raising chickens, and chopping firewood. Daniel just laughed and reassured her that times had changed. For less than the cost of a flat in the city, theyd have all the modern comforts and plenty of space.
The house went up surprisingly fast. Daniel had been promoted at work, and Charlotte had already begun offering remote consultations. Her parents helped where they could financially, and his aunt and uncle pitched in as well.
Margaret often dropped by during construction under various pretensessometimes to suggest paint colours, other times to recommend the perfect chandelier. Her intentions were good, but over time, Charlotte began to feel their personal space shrinking. Then one day, it vanished entirely when Edward showed up unannounced at their nearly finished house. Hed been nearby on business, stayed late, and decided to spend the night with his nephew.
Had he given warning, it mightve been half the trouble. But his sudden presence startled Charlotte so much that she started checking every room before entering, afraid of stumbling upon someone.
Children, take your things over there, Margaret directed the kids bags toward the spare bedroom, Hurry, or your groceries will spoil while you dawdle! Charlotte, clear some shelves in the fridgetheyll unpack their own food.
Charlotte found it odd theyd brought groceries, but perhaps they meant to share at dinner.
Go on, settle in properly. Charlotte will get you everything you needmake yourselves at home, Margaret fussed.
Edward had already made himself comfortable, flipping through TV channels in the lounge. He asked Daniel to fetch a bottle of brandy hed been gifted at worka rather expensive one. Daniel returned with the bottle and two glasses.
James, let the girls sort themselves out. Join usweve got our own little atmosphere here! Edward called to his son.
By the time everyone had unpacked, it was late. Charlotte dashed about, fetching slippers for the guests, warm socks in case they got cold, or a light blanket if they overheated. She shuddered at Olivias remark that they hadnt come for longhoping it was just a turn of phrase. Who stays a week to celebrate a housewarming? She wasnt thrilled theyd claimed the room shed planned as a nursery, eitherespecially since there was already a guest room upstairs.
Charlotte, need a hand? Daniel asked.
Finally, someone asks, she muttered, nodding toward the table, dont expect help from them.
Come on, theyre not that bad, Daniel grinned, peeling potatoes.
Thanks, Charlotte smiled back, winking.
By lunch, the relatives grew bored and went for a walk, then retired to their roomsas Margaret put it, “to rest.”
Igor, wake us by five if were not up, so were all at the table by six, she patted his cheek and disappeared into her room.
This is a fish dish, Charlotte offered brightly, similar to pâté, but lighter. Try some. She lifted the plate toward Olivia.
Oh no, James cant have that, and Sophies allergic to salmon!
Its salmon Charlotte faltered.
And he reacts to all red fish, Olivia shook her head, Whats this, then?
Sweet-and-sour chicken wings. Charlotte answered more cautiously.
Ah, Olivia eyed the table, James, fetch the roast turkey from the fridge. Its in foilyoull see it!
James obeyed, unwrapping the meat and slicing it thinly.
Speaking of groceries, Charlotte, you really ought to get a second fridge. This ones too small for three families. I found a great model on saleIll send Daniel the link, Margaret beamed.
Why would we need another fridge? And since when are there three families here? Charlotte asked, baffled.
Well, these are partly our shared homes, arent they? We all contributed. I helped with the décor. Well gather here for holidays. To make it comfortable under one roof, Ive made a few notes. Margaret rummaged in her handbag.
Charlotte shot Daniel a look, but he seemed just as lost.
Ah, here it is! Margaret adjusted her glasses. Fridge, robes, slippersno need to bring your own. Personal hygiene kits, obviously. Oh, and Edwardanything to add?
Edward cleared his throat, sipped his drink, and said:
Mini-bar.
Mini-bar? Daniel blinked. What for?
Were here to relax, not work. Means we can unwind in the evenings without your mother nagging, Edward smirked at his wife, who smirked back.
Mum, we were talking about Sophies room, Olivia reminded her.
Oh, right! Almost forgotSophie needs the nursery. The one the kids are in now.
But thats meant to be our future nursery, Charlottes voice tightened.
First, have a baby, dear, Margaret said gently, Our boy wants heirs too.
But you said not to rush! To finish my degree!
You did, but then work took priority. You shouldve been focusing on motherhood, not consultations.
I worked to build this house, to finish the repairs, to finally have a home
And now you do. Time for babies. Well get the rooms ready, wont we, sweetheart? Margaret cooed at her granddaughter.
Charlotte couldnt take it. She fled upstairs, locked herself in the bedroom, and wept at the unfairness.
Soon, Daniel followed.
Hey, love, whats wrong?
Were you even listening down there? she snapped through tears.
Its a joke, surely. They cant be seriousmini-bars? Slippers? Impossible.
She realised he didnt grasp the gravity of it.
Daniel, they are. Lets ask them outright. If its a joke, Ill apologise.
And if not? he asked carefully.
Then no more of your relatives in our home. This isnt a hotel.
Fair enough. He wiped her tears. She splashed her face with cold water, steadied herself, and they went downstairs.
Sorry for overreacting, Daniel began lightly, We just realised you were joking. Family banter, right? Lets forget it. Fancy some tea and cake?
Jokes are meant to be funny. I see nothing amusing about a house unprepared for family stays, Margaret said sharply.
So you genuinely expect us to buy you a fridge, a mini-bar, slippers, robeswhat else? Did we miss anything? Charlottes patience snapped.
If I think of more, Ill let you know, Margaret said flatly. For now, start on the nursery. Well be back soon.
What followed was a blur. Charlotte shouted at Margaret, who accused her of being a psychologist who behaved like a madwoman. Edward silently refilled his brandy. Olivia herded Sophie away to pack. James stood frozen, wide-eyed.
Finally, Charlotte snatched Margarets coat from the rack, flung open the door, and tossed it outside.
Get out of my house. She breathed hard. Well repay every penny. Dont come back.
This isnt over, Margaret hissed, straightening her coat. Edward, fetch my things!
Later, Charlotte got pregnant and began preparing the nursery. She worked almost until the birth, then retrained to work with children. Her own mother helped with the baby, visiting from the next town over.
Margaret and Edward returned once, after the birth. They were polite, reserved, and tactful. They apologised and asked to know their grandson.
Charlotte didnt refuse.
In the end, she learned that boundaries must be set earlylest others mistake your home for their own.
